Broadside ballad entitled 'Scotch Medley'

This ballad begins: 'Gae bring my guid auld harp ance mair, / Gae bring it free and fast ; / Of a' the airts the win' can blaw, / I dearly lo'e the wast'. This translates as 'Go bring my good harp once more, / Go bring it free and fast; / Of all the arts the wind can blow, / I dearly love the west.' IT is to be sung to the tune of 'Scotland Yet'. It was published in Dundee by the Poet's Box. Early ballads were dramatic or humorous narrative songs derived from folk culture that predated printing. Originally perpetuated by word of mouth, many ballads survive because they were recorded on broadsides. Musical notation was rarely printed, as tunes were usually established favourites. The term 'ballad' eventually applied more broadly to any kind of topical or popular verse. The lyrics to this song are comprised mainly of a pastiche of parts, or titles, of other well-known songs, especially those of Robert Burns (1759-96). Unfortunately, although probably intentional, the way these snippets of other songs have been arranged does not always make sense.

Collection

Popular Print in Scotland, 1650-1850

Inventory Number

4501990

Title

Broadside ballad entitled 'Scotch Medley'

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 92 x 254mm